Processing molten reactive metals and alloys using fluorocarbons as cover gas

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a method for preventing the ignition of molten magnesium by contacting the molten magnesium with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/780,256, filed Feb. 9, 2001, now allowed, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/202,169, filed May 4, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a method for preventing the ignition of molten reactive metals and alloys, e.g, magnesium, aluminum, and lithium and alloys of one or more of such metals, by contacting the molten metal or alloy with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to extinguishing a fire on the surface of magnesium by contacting the surface with the gaseous mixture described above.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Molded parts made of magnesium (or its alloys) are finding increasing use as components in the automotive and aerospace industries. These parts are typically manufactured in a foundry, where the magnesium is heated to a molten state in a crucible to a temperature as high as 1400° F. (800° C.), and the resulting molten magnesium is poured into molds or dies to form ingots or castings. During this casting process, protection of the magnesium from atmospheric air is essential to prevent a spontaneous exothermic reaction from occurring between the reactive metal and the oxygen in the air. Protection from air is also necessary to minimize the propensity of reactive magnesium vapors to sublime from the molten metal bath to cooler portions of a casting apparatus. In either situation, an extremely hot magnesium fire can result within a few seconds of air exposure potentially, causing extensive property damage and serious injury or loss of human life. Similarly, aluminum, lithium, and alloys of such metals are highly reactive in molten form necessitating protection from atmospheric air.

[0004] Various methods have been investigated to minimize the exposure of molten magnesium to air. See J. W. Fruehling et al., Transactions of the American Foundry Society, Proceeding of the 73^(rd) Annual Meeting, May 5-9, 1969, 77 (1969). The two most viable methods for effectively separating molten magnesium from air are the use of salt fluxes and the use of cover gases (sometimes referred to as “protective atmospheres”). A salt flux is fluid at the magnesium melt temperature and it effectively forms a thin impervious film on the surface of the magnesium, thus preventing the magnesium from reacting with oxygen in the air. However, the use of salt fluxes presents several disadvantages. First, the flux film itself can oxidize in the atmosphere to harden into a thick oxychloride deposit, which is easily cracked to expose molten magnesium to the atmosphere. Second, the salt fluxes are typically hygroscopic and, as such, can form salt inclusions in the metal surface which can lead to corrosion. Third, fumes and dust particles from fluxes can cause serious corrosion problems to ferrous metals in the foundry. Fourth, salt sludge can form in the bottom of the crucible. Fifth, and not least, removal of such fluxes from the surface of cast magnesium parts can be difficult.

[0005] As a result, there has been a shift from using salt fluxes to using cover gases to inert molten magnesium. Cover gases can be described as one of two types: inert cover gases and reactive cover gases. Inert cover gases can be non-reactive (e.g., argon or helium) or slowly reactive (e.g., nitrogen, which reacts slowly with molten magnesium to form Mg₃N₂). For inert cover gases to be effective, air must be essentially excluded to minimize the possibility of metal ignition, i.e., the system must be essentially closed. To utilize such a closed system, workers either have to be equipped with a cumbersome self-contained breathing apparatus or they have to be located outside of the dimensions of the processing area (e.g., by using remote control). Another limitation of inert cover gases is that they are incapable of preventing molten metal from subliming.

[0006] Reactive cover gases are gases used at low concentration in a carrier gas, normally ambient air, that react with the molten magnesium at its surface to produce a nearly invisible, thermodynamically stable film. By forming such a tight film, the aerial oxygen is effectively separated from the surface of the molten magnesium, thus preventing metal ignition and minimizing metal sublimation.

[0007] The use of various reactive cover gases to protect molten magnesium from ignition has been investigated as early as the late 1920s. An atmosphere containing CO₂ is innocuous and economical yet forms a protective film on a magnesium surface which can prevent ignition for over 1 hour at 650° C. However, the CO₂-based films formed are dull in appearance and unstable, especially in the presence of high levels of air, and consequently offer little protection for the magnesium surface from ambient oxygen. In effect, the CO₂ behaves more like an inert cover gas than a reactive cover gas.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,697 (Zurecki) discloses the use of dichlorodifluoromethane as a blanketing atmosphere or cover gas for molten aluminum-lithium alloys. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,398,844 and 6,521,018 (both Hobbs et al.) disclose blanketing gases used with non-ferrous metals and alloys with reduced Global Warming Potentials but which are very toxic to workers and/or corrosive to process equipment.

[0009] SO₂ has been investigated in the past as a reactive cover gas, as SO₂ reacts with molten magnesium to form a thin, nearly invisible film of magnesium oxysulfides. SO₂ is low in cost and is effective at levels of less than 1% in air in protecting molten magnesium from ignition. However, SO₂ is very toxic and consequently requires significant measures to protect workers from exposure (permissible exposure levels are only 2 ppm by volume or 5 mg/m³ by volume). Another problem with SO₂ is its reactivity with water in humid air to produce very corrosive acids (H₂SO₄ and H₂SO₃). These acids can attack unprotected workers and casting equipment, and they also contribute significantly to acid rain pollution when vented out of the foundry. SO₂ also has a tendency to form reactive deposits with magnesium which produce metal eruptions from the furnace (especially when SO₂ concentrations in the air are allowed to drift too high). Though SO₂ has been used commercially on a large scale for the casting of magnesium alloys, these drawbacks have led some manufacturers to ban its use.

[0010] Fluorine-containing reactive cover gases provide an inert atmosphere which is normally very stable to chemical and thermal breakdown. However, such normally stable gases will decompose upon contact with a molten magnesium surface to form a thin, thermodynamically stable magnesium oxide/fluoride protective film. U.S. Pat. No. 1,972,317 (Reimers et. al.) describes the use of fluorine-containing compounds which boil, sublime or decompose at temperatures below about 750° C. to produce a fluorine-containing atmosphere which inhibits the oxidation of molten magnesium. Suitable compounds listed include gases, liquids or solids such as BF₃, NF₃, SiF₄, PF₅, SF₆, SO₂F₂, (CClF₂)₂, HF, NH₄F and NH₄PF₆. The use of BF₃, SF₆, CF₄ and (CClF₂)₂ as fluorine-containing reactive cover gases is disclosed in J. W. Fruehling et al., described supra.

[0011] Each of these fluorine-containing compounds has one or more deficiencies. Though used commercially and effectively at lower levels than SO₂, BF₃ is toxic and corrosive and can be potentially explosive with molten magnesium. NF₃, SiF₄, PF₅, SO₂F₂ and HF are also toxic and corrosive. NH₄F and NH₄PF₆ are solids which sublime upon heating to form toxic and corrosive vapors. CF₄ has a very long atmospheric lifetime. (CClF₂)₂, a chlorofluorocarbon, has a very high ozone depletion potential (ODP). The ODP of a compound is usually defined as the total steady-state ozone destruction, vertically integrated over the stratosphere, resulting from the unit mass emission of that compound relative to that for a unit mass emission of CFC-11 (CCl₃F). See Seinfeld, J. H. and S. N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, (1998). Currently, there are efforts underway to phase out the production of substances that have high ODPs, including chlorofluorocarbons and HCFCs, in accordance with the Montreal Protocol. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its attendant amendments, Nairobi, Kenya, (1987).

[0012] Until recently, SF₆ was considered the optimum reactive cover gas for magnesium. SF₆ is effective yet safe (essentially inert, odorless, low in toxicity, nonflammable and not corrosive to equipment). It can be used effectively at low concentrations either in air (<1%) or in CO₂ to form a very thin film of magnesium oxyfluorides and oxysulfides on the surface of molten magnesium. This magnesium oxide/fluoride/sulfide/sulfur oxide film is far superior at protecting the magnesium from a vigorous exothermic oxidation reaction than is the magnesium oxide film inherently present on the metal surface. The magnesium oxide/fluoride/sulfide/sulfur oxide film is sufficiently thin (i.e., nearly invisible to the naked eye) that the metal surface appears to be metallic. This superior protection is believed to result from the greater thermodynamic stability of a nonporous magnesium sulfide/sulfur oxide and/or magnesium oxide/fluoride film as compared to the stability of a thick porous film of either magnesium oxide, sulfide or fluoride alone.

[0013] In a typical molten magnesium process employing a reactive cover gas, only a small portion of the gas passed over the molten magnesium is actually consumed to form that film, with the remaining gas being exhausted to the atmosphere. Efforts to capture and recycle the excess SF₆ are difficult and expensive due to its very low concentrations in the high volumes of exhaust stream. Efficient thermal oxidizing equipment would be required to remove the SF₆ from the exhaust stream, adding significantly to production costs. Product costs can also be considerable, as SF₆ is the most expensive commercially used reactive cover gas.

[0014] However, perhaps the greatest concern with SF₆ is its very significant global warming potential (3200 year atmospheric lifetime, and about 22,200 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide). At the December 1997 Kyoto Summit in Japan, representatives from 160 countries drafted a legally binding agreement containing limits for greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement covers six gases, including SF₆, and includes a commitment to lower the total emissions of these gases by the year 2010 to levels 5.2% below their total emissions in 1990. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Nairobi, Kenya, 1997.

[0015] As no new replacement for SF₆ is yet commercially available, efforts are underway to reinvigorate SO₂, as SO₂ has essentially no global warming potential (despite its other considerable drawbacks). See H. Gjestland, P. Bakke, H. Westengen, and D. Magers, Gas protection of molten magnesium alloys: SO₂ as a replacement for SF₆. Presented at conference on Metallurgie du Magnesium et Recherche d'Allegement dans I'Industrie des Transports, International Magnesium Association (IMA) and Pole de Recherche et de Devleoppment Industriel du Magnesium (PREDIMAG) Clermond-Ferrand, France, October 1996.

[0016] The data in TABLE 1 summarize selected safety and environmental limitations of compounds currently known to be useful in the protection of molten magnesium. Numbers followed by an asterisk (*) are particularly problematic with regard to safety and/or environmental effects. TABLE 1 Global Ozone Atmo- Warming Depletion spheric Potential- Potential- Com- Exposure Lifetime⁽³⁾ GWP⁽³⁾ ODP⁽³⁾ pound Guideline⁽¹⁾ (yrs) (100 yr ITH) (CFC-11 = 1) SO₂ 2 ppmv* BF₃ 1 ppmv* NF₃ 10 ppmv*  740 10800* SiF₄ 2.5 mg/m³ as F* PF₅ 2.5 mg/m³ as F* SF₆ 1000 ppmv 3200 22200* SO₂F₂ 5 ppmv* (CClF₂)₂ 1000 ppmv 300 9800* 0.85* HF 3 ppmv ceiling* NH₄F 2.5 mg/m³ as F* NH₄PF₆ corrosive, causes burns⁽²⁾* CF₄ Moderately toxic 50000* 5700* by inhalation CHClF₂ 1000 ppmv 11.8 1900* 0.055*

[0017] As each of these compounds presents either a significant safety or an environmental concern, the search continues to identify new reactive cover gases for protecting molten magnesium, aluminum, lithium, and alloys of such metals which are simultaneously effective, safe, environmentally acceptable, and cost-effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] This invention relates to a method for treating molten reactive metals and alloys of such metals, e.g., magnesium, aluminum, lithium, and alloys of one or more of such metals, to protect them from reacting with oxygen in air. The method comprises providing molten reactive metal and exposing it to a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof.

[0019] The gaseous mixture may further comprise a carrier gas. The carrier gas may be selected from the group consisting of air, carbon dioxide, argon, nitrogen and mixtures thereof.

[0020] This invention also relates to a method for protecting molten reactive metal from reacting with oxygen in air. In this method the exposed surface of molten reactive metal is exposed to or contacted with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof. The gaseous mixture can react with the molten reactive metal at its exposed surface to produce a nearly invisible, thermodynamically stable film. By forming this film, the oxygen in air can be effectively separated from the surface of the molten reactive metal and thus can prevent metal ignition and can minimize metal sublimation.

[0021] In addition, this invention relates to molten reactive metal wherein a protective film is formed on a surface of the magnesium. This film is formed by a reaction of the molten reactive metal with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones and mixtures thereof. This film can be nearly invisible and thermodynamically stable and can effectively separate oxygen in air from the surface of the magnesium and thus can prevent metal ignition and can minimize metal sublimation.

[0022] In another embodiment, this invention relates to solid reactive metal comprising a film formed on a surface of the reactive metal. This film is comprised of a reaction product of molten reactive metal and a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof. This solid reactive metal may be in the form of ignots or castings.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, this invention relates to a method for extinguishing a fire on the surface of molten reactive metal comprising contacting a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof, with said surface of said molten metal.

[0024] In this application, “reactive metal” means a metal or alloy which is sensitive to destructive, vigorous oxidation when exposed to air, such as magnesium, aluminum, or lithium or any alloy comprising at least one of such metals. For convenience, the following description of illustrative embodiments of the invention shall refer to magnesium. It should be understood that the present invention can also be used with aluminum, lithium, or alloys of one or more of the metals.

[0025] One advantage of the present invention over the known art is that the Global Warming Potentials of perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones are quite low. Therefore, the present inventive process is more environmentally friendly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Fluorocarbons of the present invention include perfluoroketones (PFKs), and hydrofluoroketones (HFKs) which incorporate limited amounts of hydrogen in their structures. These fluorocarbons can be effective as reactive cover gases to protect reactive molten reactive metals such as molten magnesium from ignition. As is the case with known fluorine-containing reactive cover gases, these fluorocarbons can react with the molten metal surface to produce a protective surface film, thus preventing ignition of the molten metal.

[0027] For the protection of molten magnesium from ignition, fluorocarbons of the present invention are desirable alternatives to the most commonly used cover gas currently, SF₆. The fluorocarbons of the present invention are low GWP fluorocarbon alternatives to SF₆, i.e., the fluorocarbons of the present invention have measurably lower global warming potential relative to SF₆ (i.e., significantly less than 22,200) and are not significantly worse in atmospheric lifetime, ozone depletion potential, or toxicity properties.

[0028] Perfluorinated ketones (PFKs) useful in the present invention include ketones which are fully fluorinated, i.e., all of the hydrogen atoms in the carbon backbone have been replaced with fluorine atoms. The carbon backbone can be linear, branched, or cyclic, or combinations thereof, and will preferably have about 5 to about 9 carbon atoms. PFKs containing fewer carbon atoms in the carbon backbone may exhibit higher toxicity. Representative examples of perfluorinated ketone compounds suitable for use in the processes and compositions of the invention include CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(O)CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, perfluorocyclohexanone, and mixtures thereof. In addition to demonstrating reactive cover gas performance, perfluorinated ketones can offer additional important benefits in safety of use and in environmental properties. For example, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ has low acute toxicity, based on short-term inhalation tests with mice exposed for four hours at a concentration of 100,000 ppm in air. Also based on photolysis studies at 300 nm CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ has an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 5 days. Other perfluorinated ketones show similar absorbances and thus are expected to have similar atmospheric lifetimes. As a result of their rapid degradation in the lower atmosphere, the perfluorinated ketones have short atmospheric lifetimes and would not be expected to contribute significantly to global warming (i.e., low global warming potentials). Perfluorinated ketones which are straight chain or cyclic can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,877 (Moore et al.) which in turn can be derived from the fluorinated esters described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,718 (Costello et al.). Perfluorinated ketones that are branched can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,734 (Fawcett et al.). All of these patents are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0029] Hydrofluoroketones (HFKs) that are useful in the present invention include those ketones having only fluorine and hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon backbone. The carbon backbone can be linear, branched, or cyclic, or combinations thereof, and preferably will have about 4 to about 7 carbon atoms. HFKs having fewer carbon atoms in the carbon backbone may exhibit higher toxicity. Representative examples of hydrofluoroketone compounds suitable for use in the processes and compositions of this invention include: HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃C(O)CH₂C(O)CF₃, C₂H₅C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₂CF₂C(O)CH₃, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₂F, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CHF₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CH₂F, and CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CF₃. Some hydrofluoroketones can be prepared by reacting a fluorinated acid with a Grignard reagent such as an alkylmagnesium bromide in an aprotic solvent, as described in Japanese Patent No. 2,869,432. For example CF₂CF₂C(O)CH₃ can be prepared by reacting pentafluoropropionic acid with magnesium methyl bromide in dibutyl ether. Other hydrofluoroketones can be prepared by reacting a partially fluorinated acyl fluoride with hexafluoropropylene in an anhydrous environment in the presence of fluoride ion at elevated temperature, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/619,306 (herein incorporated by reference). For example, HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ can be prepared by oxidizing tetrafluoropropanol with acidic dichromate, then reacting the resulting HC₂H₄COOH with benzotrichloride to form HC₂H₄C(O)Cl, converting the acyl chloride to the acyl fluoride by reaction with anhydrous sodium fluoride, and then reacting the HC₂H₄C(O)F with hexafluoropropylene under pressure.

[0030] The gaseous mixture that comprises a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones further comprises a carrier gas or carrier gases. Some possible carrier gases include air, CO₂, argon, nitrogen and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the carrier gas that is used with the perfluroketones is dry air.

[0031] The gaseous mixture comprises a minor amount of the fluorocarbon and a major amount of the carrier gas. Preferably, the gaseous mixture consists of less than about 1% of the fluorocarbon and the balance carrier gas. More preferably, the gaseous mixture contains less than 0.5% by volume (most preferably less that 0.1% by volume) fluorocarbon, selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones and mixtures thereof. The optimum ratio of a fluorocarbon to carrier gas will depend, in part, upon the carrier gas, operating conditions, molten metal or alloy, and-equipment used.

[0032] In order to keep the protective layer on the magnesium, the gaseous mixture is continuously, or nearly continuously, fed to the surface of the magnesium. Small breaks in the thin protective layer can then be healed without the possibility of such small breaks exposing molten magnesium to the air and initiating a fire.

[0033] A cover gas composition is of low toxicity both as it is applied to the molten magnesium and as it is emitted from the process in which it is used. Cover gases comprising low toxicity hydrofluoroketones and perfluoroketones, and mixtures thereof, will be safe mixtures as applied to magnesium. However, all fluorine containing cover gas composition produce measurable amounts of hydrogen fluoride upon contact with the molten magnesium due to some level of thermal degradation and reaction with magnesium at temperatures of 650 to 800° C. Hydrogen fluoride is corrosive and toxic and its concentration in the emitted gas should be minimized. A preferred cover gas composition will, therefore, produce minimal hydrogen fluoride. See Examples, below.

[0034] Atmospheric lifetimes and global warming potentials for several fluorocarbons used in accordance with this invention, along with compounds currently known to be useful in the protection of molten magnesium as comparative examples, are presented in TABLE 2. TABLE 2 Atmospheric Global Warming GWP Lifetime Potential (GWP) relative Compound (years)⁽¹⁾ (100 year ITH)⁽¹⁾ to SF₆ Hydrofluoroketone HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ ≦0.1⁽⁴⁾ ≦10⁽⁴⁾ 0.0005 Perfluoroketone C₂F₅C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ 0.02⁽²⁾ 1⁽²⁾ 0.00005 Comparative Compounds: Hydrofluorocarbons FCH₂CF₃ 13.6 1600 0.07 CF_(3CHFCHFCF) ₂CF₃ 17.1 1700 0.08 CF₃CHFCF₃ 36.5 3800 0.17 HCF₂CF₃ 32.6 3800 0.17 Segregated Hydrofluoroethers C₄F₉OCH₃ 5.0 390 0.02 C₄F₉OC₂H₅ 0.8 55 0.002 C₃F₇CF(OC₂H₅)CF(CF₃)₂ 2.5⁽²⁾ 210⁽²⁾ 0.01 Non-Segregated Hydrofluoroethers HCF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂H 7⁽³⁾ 1725⁽³⁾ 0.08 HCF₂OCF₂OC₂F₄OCF₂H 7.1⁽³⁾ 1840⁽³⁾ 0.08 Other Fluorochemicals SF₆ 3200 22200 1.00 NF₃ 740 10800 0.49 CClF₂CClF₂ 300 9800 0.44 CF₄ 50000 5700 0.26 C₂F₆ 10,000 11,400 0.51

[0035] The perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones used in accordance with the invention have much lower global warming potential (GWP) than the fluorocarbons known in the art such as SF₆, hydrofluorocarbons, and hydrofluoroethers. As used herein, “GWP” is a relative measure of the warming potential of a compound based on the structure of the compound. The GWP of a compound, as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1990 and updated in Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1998 (World Meteorological Organization, Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1998, Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project—Report No. 44, Geneva, 1999), is calculated as the warming due to the release of 1 kilogram of a compound relative to the warming due to the release of 1 kilogram of CO₂ over a specified integration time horizon (ITH). ${{GWP}_{x}(t)} = \frac{\int_{0}^{ITH}{F_{x}C_{ox}^{{{- t}/\tau}\quad x}{t}}}{\int_{0}^{ITH}{F_{{CO}_{2}}{C_{{CO}_{2}}(t)}{t}}}$

[0036] where F is the radiative forcing per unit mass of a compound (the change in the flux of radiation through the atmosphere due to the IR absorbance of that compound), C is the atmospheric concentration of a compound, τ is the atmospheric lifetime of a compound, t is time and x is the compound of interest.

[0037] The commonly accepted ITH is 100 years representing a compromise between short-term effects (20 years) and longer-term effects (500 years or longer). The concentration of an organic compound, x, in the atmosphere is assumed to follow pseudo first order kinetics (i.e., exponential decay). The concentration of CO₂ over that same time interval incorporates a more complex model for the exchange and removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere (the Bern carbon cycle model).

[0038] Carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes and ketones have been shown to have measurable photolysis rates in the lower atmosphere resulting in very short atmospheric lifetimes. Compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, n-butyraldehyde, acetone, 2-butanone, 2-pentanone and 3-pentanone have atmospheric lifetimes by photolysis ranging from 4 hours to 38 days (Martinez, R. D., et al., 1992, Atmospheric Environment, 26, 785-792, and Seinfeld, J. H. and Pandis, S. N., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, p. 288, 1998). CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 5 days based on photolysis studies at 300 nm. Other perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones show similar absorbances near 300 nm and are expected to have similar atmospheric lifetimes.

[0039] The very short lifetimes of the perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones lead to very low GWPs. A measured IR cross-section was used to calculate the radiative forcing value for CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ using the method of Pinnock, et al. (J. Geophys. Res., 100, 23227, 1995). Using this radiative forcing value and the 5-day atmospheric lifetime the GWP (100 year ITH) for CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ is 1. Assuming a maximum atmospheric lifetime of 38 days and infrared absorbance similar to that of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ the GWP for HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ is calculated to be 9. The perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones of the invention typically have a GWP less than about 10.

[0040] As a result of their rapid degradation in the lower atmosphere, the perfluoroketones and hydrofluoroketones have short lifetimes and would not be expected to contribute significantly to global warming. The low GWP of the perfluoroketones make them well suited for use as an environmentally preferred cover gas.

[0041] Also, the PFKs and HFKs of this invention can react more fully with molten magnesium than does SF₆. As a result less unreacted cover gas can be emitted to the atmosphere; less cover gas can be required to produce a comparably performing protective film; or both. Consequently, useful concentrations of the cover gas can be lowered, thus reducing the global warming impact. The full substitution of fluorocarbons of the present invention for SF₆ can be accomplished without increasing the risk to worker safety since these materials (PFKs, and HFKs) are of low toxicity, are non-flammable, and are generally very innocuous materials.

[0042] Substitution for SF₆ with a PFK, or HFK, alone or as a mixture thereof, can provide protection of molten magnesium in various processes, such as magnesium refining, alloying, formation of ingots or casting of parts. This substitution can be straightforward and can provide the same utility as a reactive cover gas that only SF₆ does currently. Surface films produced with the fluorocarbons of the present invention can be more stable to higher temperatures than those formed with SO₂, enabling work with higher melt temperatures (e.g., additional alloys, more complex casting parts). Improvements realized through the use of fluorocarbons of the present invention as reactive cover gases can include a significant reduction in the emission of a potent greenhouse gas (i.e., SF₆), a potential reduction in the amount of fluorine-containing reactive cover gas required to provide protection, and a reduction in total emissions. This substitution can be done without increasing risks for workers since the fluorocarbons of the present invention are all safe materials with which to work, have low toxicity, are nonflammable, and are not a detriment to production equipment.

[0043] The use of perfluoroketones, or hydrofluoroketones, or mixtures thereof, in a gaseous mixture demonstrate the ability to also put out fires that are already occurring on the surface of molten magnesium. Therefore, the gases also may be used to extinguish fires on molten magnesium.

[0044] In some embodiments, the reactive metal will be aluminum, lithium, or an alloy containing one or both of these metals which contains less than 50 percent by weight, or in some cases is substantially free of, magnesium.

EXAMPLES

[0045] The present invention is further illustrated, but is not meant to be limited by, the following examples. The standard test procedure for evaluating the efficiency of each test fluorocarbon cover gas is given below.

[0046] An approximately 3 kg sample of pure magnesium was placed in a cylindrical steel crucible having an 11.4 cm internal diameter and was heated to 680° C. Cover gas was continuously applied to the 410 cm² surface of the molten magnesium through a 10 cm diameter ring formed of 95 mm diameter stainless steel that was placed about 3 cm over the molten magnesium. The tubing was perforated on the side of the ring facing the molten magnesium so that the cover gas flowed directly over the molten magnesium. A square 20 cm×20 cm, 30 cm high stainless steel chamber with an internal volume of about 10.8 liters was fitted over the crucible to contain the cover gas. The top of the chamber was fitted with two 8.9 cm diameter quartz viewing ports and ports for a skimming tool and thermocouple. A cover gas inlet, two gas sampling ports and a door for adding fresh magnesium and for removing dross from the chamber were placed on the sides of the chamber.

[0047] A stream of the cover gas was pumped from the chamber into the flow cell of an FTIR spectrophotometer (Midac 12000 Gas Phase FTIR) with a mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector. Using Modified Extractive FTIR (EPA Method 320), the volumetric concentration of HF and the test cover gas (in ppmV) were measured continuously during experimentation. Once the mixtures had stabilized, concentrations were measured over a period of 5 to 10 minutes, average values of these concentrations were calculated, and those average values were used to make a relative comparison of the test cover gases.

[0048] In all cases, initial magnesium melting was done using a standard cover gas of 0.5% SF₆ in CO₂ at a flow rate of 5.9 L/min. The experimental gas mixture was then substituted for the standard cover gas mixture by utilizing a train of rotameters and valves. Dry air (having a −40° C. dew point) at a flow rate of 5.9 L/min was used to create the test cover gas by evaporating a flow of test fluid in it such that a volumetric concentration of 0.03 to 1 volume % fluorocarbon in air was produced.

[0049] During testing, the molten magnesium was observed for a period of about 20 to 30 minutes (equivalent to 10 to 15 chamber volumes exchanges of cover gas) to monitor any visible changes to the surface that would indicate the start of magnesium burning. The existing surface film was then removed by skimming the surface for about 3-5 minutes. The new surface film that formed was then observed for a period of at 15-30 minutes The concentration of the fluorocarbon component of the cover gas mixture was started at about 1% by volume in air and reduced sequentially in steps of ½ the previous concentration to a minimum fluorocarbon concentration of 0.03 to 0.06%.

[0050] Comparative Example C1

[0051] C₄F₉OCH₃ (methoxy nonafluorobutane), a hydrofluoroether, has been described as an effective fluorocarbon cover gas for molten magnesium in World Published Application WO 00/64614 (Example 5). In this comparative example, C₄F₉OCH₃ (available as NOVEC™ HFE-7100 Engineering Fluid from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.) was evaluated as a fluorocarbon cover gas at 1% and at decreasing volumetric concentrations in air. In all cases, the volumetric flow rate for the cover gas/air mixture was 5.9 L/min. At nominal concentrations of about 1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125% (corresponds to 10000, 5000, 2500 and 1250 ppmV, respectively), C₄F₉OCH₃ produced a thin flexible surface film on molten magnesium immediately after skimming so that no evidence of metal burning was observed. When the concentration of C₄F₉OCH₃ was reduced to 0.0625% (i.e., 625 ppmV), some evidence of burning was observed on the molten magnesium surface as white blooms, but no fire resulted. Exposure to fresh molten magnesium during skimming caused the HF concentration to remain essentially unchanged or to be increased at all volumetric concentrations of C₄F₉OCH₃ tested.

[0052] The HF concentrations measured at the various volumetric concentrations of C₄F₉OCH₃ tested are presented in TABLE 3. TABLE 3 Concentration of Concentration of Concentration of C₄F_(9OCH) ₃ in Air Hydrogen Fluoride over Hydrogen Fluoride over Over Molten Stable Surface Molten Fresh Molten Magnesium Magnesium Film Magnesium Film (ppm by volume) (ppm by volume) (ppm by volume) 8300 4500 4100 4100 2000 2200 2000 980 1000 800 590 480

[0053] The data in TABLE 3 show that significant hydrogen fluoride is produced at 800 ppm volumetric concentration of C₄F₉OCH₃ (i.e., 480-590 ppm HF), the minimum concentration required to protect molten magnesium from ignition.

Example 1

[0054] CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ (1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-pentan-3-one), a perfluoroketone, was evaluated as a cover gas to protect molten magnesium from ignition using essentially the same procedure as described in Comparative Example C1 using C₄F₉OCH₃. The CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ was prepared and purified using the following procedures.

[0055] Into a clean dry 600 mL Parr reactor equipped with stirrer, heater and thermocouple were added 5.6 g (0.10 mol) of anhydrous potassium fluoride and 250 g of anhydrous diglyme (anhydrous diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, available from Sigma Aldrich Chemical Co.). The anhydrous potassium fluoride was spray dried, stored at 125° C. and ground shortly before use. The contents of the reactor were stirred while 21.0 g (0.13 mol) of C₂F₅COF (approximately 95.0 percent purity) was added to the sealed reactor. The reactor and its contents were then heated, and when a temperature of 70° C. had been reached, a mixture of 147.3 g (0.98 mol) of CF₂═CFCF₃ (hexafluoropropylene) and 163.3 g (0.98 mol) of C₂F₅COF was added over a 3.0 hour time period. During the addition of the hexafluoropropylene and the C₂F₅COF mixture, the pressure was maintained at less than 95 psig (7500 torr). The pressure at the end of the hexafluoropropylene addition was 30 psig (2300 torr) and did not change over the 45-minute hold period. The reactor contents were allowed to cool and were one-plate distilled to obtain 307.1 g containing 90.6% CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ and 0.37% C₆F₁₂ (hexafluoropropylene dimer) as determined by gas chromatography. The crude fluorinated ketone was water-washed, distilled, and dried by contacting with silica gel to provide a fractionated fluorinated ketone of 99% purity and containing 0.4% hexafluoropropylene dimers.

[0056] A sample of fractionated CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ made according to the above-described procedure was purified of hexafluoropropylene dimers using the following procedure. Into a clean dry 600 mL Parr reactor equipped with stirrer, heater and thermocouple were added 61 g of acetic acid, 1.7 g of potassium permanganate, and 301 g of the above-described fractionated 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-pentan-3-one. The reactor was sealed and heated to 60° C., while stirring, reaching a pressure of 12 psig (1400 torr). After 75 minutes of stirring at 60° C., a liquid sample was taken using a dip tube, the sample was phase split and the lower phase was washed with water. The sample was analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography (“glc”) and showed undetectable amounts of hexafluoropropylene dimers and small amounts of hexafluoropropylene trimers. A second sample was taken 60 minutes later and was treated similarly. The glc analysis of the second sample showed no detectable dimers or trimers. The reaction was stopped after 3.5 hours, and the purified ketone was phase split from the acetic acid and the lower phase was washed twice with water. 261 g of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ was collected, having a purity greater than 99.6% by glc and containing no detectable hexafluoropropylene dimers or trimers.

[0057] The perfluorinated ketone, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, was then evaluated as a fluorocarbon cover gas at 1% and at decreasing volumetric concentrations in air (i.e., at about 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.12, 0.06 and 0.03% by volume; corresponds to 10000, 5000, 2500, 1250, 600 and 300 ppm, respectively). At all concentrations tested, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ produced a thin flexible surface film on the molten magnesium during skimming and prevented metal ignition. The film visually appeared to be thinner and more elastic than the surface film produced in the initial molten magnesium protection using SF₆ as a cover gas and in Comparative Example C1 using C₄F₉OCH₃ as a cover gas. The silvery-gray film produced was stable and did not change appearance over at least 30 minutes. This is in contrast to the test series using C₄F₉OCH₃, where evidence of metal burning was noted when the cover gas concentration was reduced to about 625 ppm.

[0058] The HF concentrations measured at the various volumetric concentrations of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ tested are presented in TABLE 4. TABLE 4 Concentration of Concentration of Concentration of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ Hydrogen Fluoride over Hydrogen Fluoride in Air over Molten Stable Surface Molten over Fresh Molten Magnesium Magnesium Film Magnesium Film (ppm by volume) (ppm by volume) (ppm by volume) 10400 420 670 4800 470 775 2400 360 640 1200 280 370 560 180 120 480 120 100 280 40 40

[0059] The data in TABLE 2 show that, at equal volumetric concentrations, significant less hydrogen fluoride is produced using CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ compared to C₄F₉OCH₃ as a cover gas. For example, at 2000 ppm C₄F₉OCH₃, 980 ppm of HF was produced over the stable surface film and 1000 ppm of HF was produced over the fresh molten film. In contrast, as 2400 ppm CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂ (a slightly higher fluorocarbon concentration), only 360 ppm of HF was produced over the stable surface film and 640 ppm of HF was produced over the fresh molten film.

[0060] In summary, the perfluorinated ketone outperformed the hydrofluoroether as a cover gas for molten magnesium (i.e. protected the molten magnesium at lower concentrations) and also generated less hydrogen fluoride as a degradation product upon exposure to the molten metal surface.

[0061] Various modifications and alterations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that this invention is not to be limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein, but is to be controlled by the limitations set forth in the following claims and any equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating molten reactive metal to protect said reactive metal from reacting with oxygen in air which comprises: providing molten reactive metal and exposing said reactive metal to a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluorocarbon is a perfluoroketone.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said perfluoroketone is selected from the group consisting of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(O)CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, perfluorocyclohexanone, and mixtures thereof.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein said perfluoroketone is CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said fluorocarbon is a hydrofluoroketone that is selected from the group consisting of HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃C(O)CH₂C(O)CF₃, C₂H₅C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₂CF₂C(O)CH₃, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₂F, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CHF₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CF₃, and mixtures thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the gaseous mixture further comprises a carrier gas.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said carrier gas is selected from the group consisting of air, CO₂, argon, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said reactive metal comprises at least one of the group consisting of magnesium, aluminum, lithium, and an alloy of one or more of magnesium, aluminum or lithium.
 9. A method for protecting molten reactive metal from reacting with oxygen in air, said reactive metal comprising an exposed surface, comprising: (a) providing molten reactive metal; (b) contacting said reactive metal with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof; and (c) forming a film on the surface of said reactive metal.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the gaseous mixture further comprises a carrier gas.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said carrier gas is selected from the group consisting of air, CO₂, argon, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the fluorocarbon is a perfluoroketone.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said perfluoroketone is selected from the group consisting of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(O)CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, perfluorocyclohexanone, and mixtures thereof.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein said perfluoroketone is CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein said fluorocarbon is a hydrofluoroketone that is selected from the group consisting of HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃C(O)CH₂C(O)CF₃, C₂H₅C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₂CF₂C(O)CH₃, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₂F, (CF₃)2CFC(O)CHF₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CF₃, and mixtures thereof.
 16. A method for extinguishing a fire on the surface of magnesium comprising contacting a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof with said surface.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the fluorocarbon is a perfluoroketone.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said perfluoroketone is selected from the group consisting of CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(O)CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, perfluorocyclohexanone, and mixtures thereof.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said perfluoroketone is CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein said fluorocarbon is a hydrofluoroketone that is selected from the group consisting of HCF₂CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃C(O)CH₂C(O)CF₃, C₂H₅C(O)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₂CF₂C(O)CH₃, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CH₂CH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CHFCH₂F, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₃, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CHF₂, CF₃CF₂C(O)CF₂CH₂F, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CHF₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CHF₂, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CH₂F, CF₃CF(CH₂F)C(O)CF₃, and mixtures thereof. 